WREXHAM ' S bubble burst at the McAlpine Stadium but left new manager Denis Smith seething about some of the decisions that went against his side.

Smith was clearly upset about a first-half penalty that hauled Huddersfield level after Wrexham had taken the lead.

The spot-kick was awarded after the referee had consulted his assistant referee, and in the second half Smith also claimed another crucial goal was clearly offside.

But Smith said: "I am disappointed with a couple of performances out there today and I will be having a chat with certain people on Monday. I have learned a few things today about certain people."

Wrexham, in all-green strip, moved Jim Whitley into midfield to replace the suspended Stephen Thomas. But the Terriers were first to show as Andy Booth, a hat-trick hero in midweek, had a shot blocked after linking with teenager Leon Knight, on loan for a month from Chelsea.

But it was a scrappy opening as both sides strove for supremacy in the middle of the park. Wrexham centre back Steve Roberts and Keith Hill won their fair share of aerial combats, and roughhouse Lee Trundle didn't pull any punches, either.

Wrexham again had a noisy following and Smith's travelling "Red and White Army" were jubilant as they took a 25th minute lead from a well-worked free kick. The bustling Trundle was fouled just outside the penalty area, Darren Ferguson territory. But Fergie hoodwinked Huddersfield by touching the ball to Martyn Chalk, whose low drive speared into the net with Wales's under-21 international goalkeeper Martyn Margetson probably unsighted.

Those cheers soon turned to groans as Huddersfield were awarded a penalty three minutes later.

Danny Schofield went sprawling under Willie Miller's challenge and after consulting an assistant, referee Tony Leake awarded a spot-kick.

American international John Thorrington confidently converted it - and it was Game On. Kristian Rogers made a crucial save from Dwayne Mattis and for a spell Wrexham had to soak it up.

There was a half-time scare involving Rogers but Wrexham's keeper came back out for the second half, although he looked in some discomfort. Within three minutes he was picking the ball out of the net as Chris Holland hammered home a shot after Ferguson's wayward pass proved costly.

David Walsh replaced Rogers minutes later and Wrexham began to show some of the battling qualities that Smith is demanding.

Trundle showed some magical touches that got the fans going but Knight made it 3-1, looking suspiciously offside. And within a minute Knight headed home for 4-1 following good work by Thorrington.

Only a wonder save by Walsh, denied Knight a hat-trick as Wrexham went under the cosh and Booth made it 5-1 three minutes from time with a well

This was Wrexham's first defeat since the arrival of Smith but they will have a quick chance of revenge. On Tuesday the teams meet at the Racecourse in the LDV Vans Trophy, second round,

7.45pm.

directed header.

But Smith, who has publicly said that Second Division survival is his main priority, left Huddersfield clearly unhappy with what he had seen. He was not convinced with some of the decisions made by the referee or his assistants, but he was also critical of some of his players' performances. Rogers may be doubtful for Tuesday's cup tie because he has pulled his groin and Smith may well feel that other changes may be necessary following this display.